Cursor is an editor forked from VS Code with AI built into the editor: completion sees the whole repository, one request can change several places with diffs, chat can target files or folders, and Agent mode finds code, edits files and runs commands. Because it is an editor, migration cost is mostly shortcuts and plugins. Batch changes overreach easily, so review each file and run tests before committing.
What it does
- Completion grounded in the whole repo, continuing after acceptance
- Chat context from files, folders or symbols
- Cross-file edits with diffs for one request
- Agent mode retrieves code, edits files and runs commands
- Keeps VS Code extensions and habits
Who it is for
- Hundreds of files where one change touches several places
- API migration or refactor needing consistent batch replacement
- Cross-module debugging where related code should be linked first
- Switching editors without losing existing habits
How to get started
- Import your settings and try it on a mid-size project first
- Scope files explicitly rather than letting it roam the whole repo
- Review diffs and run tests each round, committing important work in small steps
